The Delaware ledger. (Newark, Del.) 1879-19??, 1887-09-17

harm was soon changed 10 alarm
far more serious than any we had
yet experienced, for we became
aware Of Il fearful peril hitherto, in
the excitement of the occasion, over
looked by US all. The tide was ris-
ing rapidly, and would shortly, with
out doubt engulf us. So tightly
were we bound that struggling was
unavailable, and only rendered us
more miserable. On and on came
the waters, until now and again a
large wave would actually touch our
feet. Oh, horror who but ourselves
can imagine the torture of watching
those relentless waves which were to
drown us, surely, surely9 Miles
away from amy "track," we were not
likely to be heard by man. The
birds seemed to mock our misery as
they gaily flew over our heads, chat
tering to each other and enjoying
the liberty for which we would have
given all we possessed. Shouting
was evidently useless. Yet we
shouted, screamed, yelled frantically.
] think | was somewhat the calmest
aud tried to cousole and soothe the
others with the thought that the
water might not rise sufficiently high
to overwhelm us entirely bnt, |
being considerable taller than my
companions in distress, they receiv-
ed this suggestion as sort OF
ghastly joke, and laughed bitter
laugh. Water all around us rising,
still rising 1t was but too evident
that our worst fears were soon to be
realized. With one thought Of the
dear old home in England, with all
NV beloved relatives wondering
some day why did not return OF
at least write; one prayer to my
God and / gave up all hope-but
hush what do we hear human
voices, singing? Is it delirium ?
No. it comes nearer and nearer. Oh
iov a boat is rounding the small
promontory to our right. and we dis
tinctly hear the voices of several
young men singing. We shout once
more. They evidently see us, but
do not appear to understand oui
position. Help! we cry again, and
are answered. They quickly arrive
and help to free us from our bonds
Instinctively we threw ourselves
down OH our knees and thank Al
nightly God for so remarkable
deliverance. Then we consult upon
the best course TO take, with the re
suit that | take one of the remain
ing horses and the car driver tn,
other, he going towards Melbourn
and l to Geelong,
1t was an uncomfortable rid
enough, assure you. Wet through
excited. mounted on a raw-bOned
bare-backed coach horse, whicl
stumbled about, threatening to fal
with me at every few yards. YC
the feeling of relief from my recen
perilous position was so great that
forgot my discomfort and urged oil
, my laundering stccd until arrive
at Geelong
had not been idle during m
ride. The fresh air had braced u
, my nerves, and I had begun t
, think what clue | had to the rol
, bers. They were evidently mad
up" and wore blouses. so that
l could not tell whether they wel
stout or spare. Moreover, they ha
, on Grape masks. Suddenly | rem
: embered that while one of them WI
: investigating the mail bags on h
' knees, with his back towards me,
= had seen that his boots were "spriI
!, ged" with copper "spriggs" or mai
!, in a peculiar manner. "Her
G thought |, ''is clue and | dete
: mined to follow it up. l according
: ly sought the Chief Inspector OF P,
lice and explained the circumstal
ces to him. He, knowing me in m
f official capacity, placed one of HI
men at my service, with whom
l proceeded to several bootmakers an
inquired whether they had an
S knowledge of such boots. None
: them had. "But," remarked on
} "they are a capital clue; for, froi
your description I should think the
: are the only pair in the colony"
Leaving the police officer to folio
| out certain instructions, | went to
hotel, obtained a change of clothing
l dined, and settled myself down f,
| the evening to ruminate over tn
events of the day and form plar
e for future action, when tap at Il
: door announced the arrival of
e messenger from one of the boo